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Fresh Caprese Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and easy fresh Caprese chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with melty fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction glaze. Perfect for a light, flavorful summer dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded thin
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. (5 minutes)
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. (2 minutes)
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar. Stir occasionally until reduced by half and thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. (12 minutes)
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. (9-10 minutes)
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften but retain shape. (2 minutes)
  6. Top each chicken breast evenly with mozzarella slices and scatter basil leaves on top and around. Transfer skillet to a preheated broiler (or oven at 450°F / 230°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes until mozzarella melts and bubbles. Watch closely to prevent burning. (3 minutes)
  7. Remove from oven and transfer chicken to plates. Drizzle sweet balsamic reduction generously over chicken and tomatoes. (2 minutes)
  8. Serve immediately while hot with melty mozzarella and glossy balsamic glaze.

Notes

If skillet is not ovenproof, transfer chicken and toppings to a baking dish before broiling. Stir in a splash of water if balsamic reduction thickens too much before drizzling. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese. Cherry tomatoes can be swapped with heirloom tomatoes in summer. Fresh oregano or parsley can replace basil if unavailable. Avoid microwave when reheating leftovers to prevent rubbery chicken and oily cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic reduction, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy chicken recipe, summer dinner, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-caprese-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-with-sweet-balsamic-reduction/